System and method for payload enclosure

ABSTRACT

A cylindrical-shaped enclosure having tapered ends. The enclosure includes a module having a radio disposed on a printed circuit board and an antenna connected to the PCB. The enclosure has a main piece coupled to a lower piece and to a top piece, an optionally a fourth piece coupled to the top piece. A mounting subsystem is mounted to the main piece and includes a hole configured to receive therethrough a wires that connect to the printed circuit board. The antenna is configured to rotate about an axis that extends along a longest dimension of the enclosure. The module includes a metal plate to which the antenna is directly mechanically and electrically coupled without any cable such that the wires lack any control signals for controlling the antenna. The top and/or lower pieces can house any combination of a a camera, an environmental sensor, security equipment, or a lighting system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is an ever growing need for wireless services to be provided around a variety of structures, including, for example, office buildings, historical structures, recreational structures, shopping malls and complexes, apartment and condominium complexes and hotel and resort complexes.

Frequently, architects and designers work to ensure that these buildings are aesthetically pleasing. However, most radio equipment to provide wireless services is not designed with aesthetics in mind. Rather, this equipment is designed to be functional, with little to no attention paid to aesthetics.

When this equipment is placed in or on top or on the sides of buildings, they can diminish the aesthetic value of such buildings. Therefore, it is important to place this equipment in enclosures which do not diminish or reduce the aesthetic value of such buildings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view from a front of an enclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view from a rear of the enclosure shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the enclosure shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the enclosure shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of the enclosure shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows the enclosure of FIG. 1 mounted to a building wall.

FIG. 7 shows a die cast mount for mounting the enclosure on a pole-like structure.

FIG. 8 shows the enclosure mounted on a light pole.

FIG. 9 shows a die cast mount to house a power converter for the enclosure.

FIG. 10 shows bottom view of the mount shown in FIG. 7 with a power supply visible.

FIG. 10A shows a power supply 802A that is inserted into the mount shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of the enclosure with a payload of a radio and antenna with optional lighting.

FIG. 12 shows the module 401 with the antenna 402 and metal plate removed, with a radio PCB 403 visible.

FIG. 13 shows the module 401 pointing forward along an axis passing through the length of the enclosure.

FIG. 14 shows the module 401 after undergoing a 90-degree clockwise rotation about an axis 301 relative to its orientation shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 shows the module 401 after undergoing a 90-degree anti-clockwise rotation about the axis 301 relative to its orientation shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 shows a long life LED 405, together with a mounting plate and socket 406 that can be inserted into the enclosure.

FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of the enclosure with long life LED 405 mounted in a lower section 103 of the enclosure.

FIG. 18 shows a camera 407 with a rotatable mount 408 that can be inserted into the enclosure.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of the enclosure with the camera 407 mounted in a lower section 103 of the enclosure.

FIG. 20 shows an embodiment of the enclosure with four sections.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This specification details a system and a method for an aesthetically pleasing enclosure to house a payload. Payloads can include, but are not limited to, combinations of radio equipment and antennae; lighting systems and security systems.

In one embodiment, as is shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the enclosure 100 is cylindrical with tapered ends. Novel form factors such as the one shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 give the enclosure enhanced aesthetic value over enclosures in the prior art. Using tapered ends discourages birds from nesting on the enclosure. Nesting birds can degrade the performance of radio equipment, due to, for example, bird droppings and nesting material. Thus using such a shape can help improve the performance of radio equipment within. The tapered ends can be rounded to form a sleek, continuous surface body free from any sharp transitions.

Furthermore, the cylindrical shape of the enclosure assists in dissipating heat produced by the radio equipment within. Also, it allows antennas within the enclosure to freely rotate. Using a cylindrical shape also helps reduce the wind-loading on the enclosure.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the enclosure 100 from the front, and FIG. 2 shows a perspective view from the rear.

The enclosure 100 has a plurality of sections or pieces (e.g., separate and distinct from one another but which together form a singular body when assembled or coupled together). FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show one embodiment of the enclosure with 3 sections. There is a top section 101; main or middle section 102; and lower section 103. While an enclosure with 3 sections is depicted here, the number of sections in the enclosure is not limited to 3. The enclosure is weather proof and is serviceable. In some aspects, the lower section 103 is the section of the enclosure 100 pointing down toward earth when the enclosure 100 is mounted to a fixed structure, such as shown in FIG. 7.

The top section 101 is made of a material which is suitable for outdoor applications and is transparent to radio frequency (RF) waves. Top section 101 can be for example, a tapered cone, or a cylinder. The main section 102 can be, for example, injection plastic or die cast metal. Lower section 103 can be die cast metal, plastic, clear or frosted. It can be, for example, a tapered cone or cylinder; or a clear lens.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 show side, front and top views of enclosure 100.

There are different mounting subsystems possible. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, in one embodiment, the main section 102 contains a sleeve 104 with bolt holes 105 and 106 (bolt hole 106 is shown in FIG. 3) on either side to engage with mounting plate 107 which has a collar with pre-drilled holes 108 and 109. The mounting plate 107 can be rectangular, circular or even oval-shaped. The mounting plate contains holes 110-113 for bolting to a fixed structure, such as a building wall 200 as shown in FIG. 6. The enclosure 100 containing a payload can be pushed onto mounting plate 107, with bolt holes 105 and 106 aligned with pre-drilled holes 108 and 109. Bolt 114 can then be used to secure the enclosure 100 to the mounting plate 107.

Electrical power and data wiring can be fed through a hole 123 accessible from a bottom or base of the mounting subsystem 121 and into the sleeve 104. This ensures that there is no visible wiring (i.e., visible from an exterior of the enclosure 100 when the mounting subsystem of the enclosure 100 is mounted to a fixed structure). With the lower section 103 removed, wiring can be fed through the main section 102.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a mounting subsystem 701, which is an optional die cast mount that can be connected to the mounting plate 107. The die cast mount of the mounting subsystem 701 contains openings such as 702 and 703 to allow steel straps 704 to be used to connect the enclosure 100 to, for example, a pole-like structure 201. The die cast mount of the mounting subsystem 701 has flanges 810 and 811, which can be removed for mounting to a building wall, such as wall 200 of FIG. 6. Normally there would also be a plate to cover the opening at the rear. An example of mounting to light pole 202 is shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 shows the die cast mount of the mounting subsystem 701, without straps 704, that houses a power converter 802 such as that shown in FIG. 10 is needed on most light utility poles, such as pole 202 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 shows a rear view of the optional die cast mount of the mounting subsystem 701, with the covering plate that would normally be covering the opening at rear removed. The die cast mount of the mounting subsystem 701 is shown housing a power converter 802, which is necessary if, for example, there is a need to use main power to power the radio. Then, power converter 802 takes the main power and reduces it to a suitable range for the radio. The power converter is housed in a fireproof enclosure for compliance with regulatory requirements, or the requirements of standards bodies as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or Underwriters' Laboratories (UL). The die cast mount of the mounting subsystem 701 also has openings 803 and 804. Steel straps 704 would pass through openings 803 and 804; and openings 702 and 703; for mounting on pole-like structures such as street lamps and fence posts or other fixed structures.

In another embodiment, power supply unit 802A as shown in FIG. 10A can be mounted inside the optional die cast mount 801. Power supply unit 802A can be, for example, a rechargeable or a non-rechargeable battery.

FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of one embodiment of a fully occupied enclosure 100 with a payload of a radio and antenna. The three sections 101-103 previously described are shown. In addition, the radio printed circuit boards (PCBs) and antenna 402 is included as part of a die cast module 401. The radio and the antenna are arranged in a long thin arrangement versus the traditional square arrangements. In one embodiment, the length to width ratio of the module 401 containing the radio PCB and antenna 402 is between 4:1 and 6:1.

The radio PCBs are housed inside the module 401, completely sealed by a metal plate. The antenna 402 is mounted on the outside of that metal plate. The antenna 402 can then be directly coupled mechanically and electrically through the metal plate to the radio PCB 401, thus removing the need for an RF cable to connect the antenna 402 to the radio PCB 401. Such an arrangement can reduce the loss suffered when the signal is transmitted through an RF cable from the antenna to the radio PCB. In addition, in another embodiment, the antenna control circuit can be housed within the assembly and also coupled directly to the antenna through the metal plate. This removes the need for wiring to convey control signals to the antenna. By reducing the amount of wiring required within the enclosure, this reduces the risk of equipment being tangled in wiring when, for example, the antenna is rotated. FIG. 12 shows the module 401 with antenna 402 and metal plate removed with radio PCB 403 visible within.

In another embodiment, the power converter 802 of FIG. 10; or the power supply 802A of FIG. 10A; could also be installed in the main enclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11, module 401 can be connected to rotating assembly 404. With the lower section 103 removed, wiring can be then be connected from main section 102, to a weather proof connector on the bottom of rotating assembly 404. Then, the system is powered up, and the combination of the module 401 and assembly 404 is rotated until the correct angular position is reached. The rotating assembly 404 can then be locked in place to secure radio alignment, and then the lower section 103 can be attached. The cylindrical shape provides a further advantage, as the antenna can be rotated within.

FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 show various angular positions of the module with respect to axis 301 with the top section 101 removed. As shown in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15; the combination of the module 401 and assembly 404 can be rotated about axis 301 by installation technicians. FIG. 13 shows the module 401 pointing forward, that is, with no rotation, and the lower section 103 attached. FIG. 14 shows the module 401 after undergoing a 90-degree clockwise rotation about axis 301, and the lower section 103 attached. FIG. 15 shows the module 401 after undergoing a 90-degree anti-clockwise rotation about axis 301, and the lower section 103 attached. The axis 301 extends along a length L (see FIG. 1) of the enclosure 100 (e.g., along a longest dimension of the enclosure 100).

In one embodiment, to aid an installer the radio PCB 403 has audible feedback (e.g., via a conventional speaker, not shown) and signals the installer when it is correctly aligned. When the desired angular position is reached, an audible signal is heard. The rotating assembly 404 can then be locked in place to secure radio alignment, and then the lower section 103 can be attached.

In another embodiment, the rotating assembly 404 could be connected to a servo motor, which could then be controlled by user input or by a program to be set to an angular position so as to achieve maximum signal strength. Inputs could be sent through either wireless or wired media. Once the final angular position is reached, the rotating assembly 404 can then be locked in place to secure radio alignment, and then the lower section 103 can be attached.

As previously detailed, in one embodiment, the payload is only the radio and antenna. In another embodiment, the payload also includes a long life LED light 405 with a corresponding mounting plate and socket 406, as shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 17 shows an embodiment where the long life LED light 405 is installed in lower section 103 with mount 406, pointing downward and used for street lighting. In this embodiment, the lower section 103 is, for example, a clear or frosted lower cone or cylinder.

In yet another embodiment, the payload includes an outdoor camera 407 and rotatable camera mount 408, as shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 19 shows a camera 407 installed with mount 408 in lower section 103 which can be clear, or even a clear lens. Camera 407 can be rotated 360 degrees and pointed upward and downward for optimum video surveillance coverage.

These embodiments have the further advantage of not being recognized as a “standard” security item. They can be mounted pointing in one direction but having the antenna modules pointed in another.

In addition to lights, cameras and security systems; in another embodiment environmental sensor(s) is/are mounted within the lower section 103. These can include, for example, temperature sensors. Other security equipment can be mounted in lower section 103, such as, for example, infra-red sensors. Lower section 103 will then be composed of a suitable material to allow these types of equipment to be used.

These enclosures and payloads can come in different configurations and sizes.

As mentioned previously, there may be more than 3 sections. In another embodiment, there is a fourth section, above the RF-transparent top section. FIG. 20 shows an example of such an embodiment 1000 with section 1001, located above and connected to the RF-transparent top section 1002. The embodiment shown in FIG. 20 has two sections below the RF-transparent top section 1002: Main section 1003 and lower section 1004. Main section 1003 and lower section 1004 are similar to main section 102 and lower section 103 of FIG. 1 respectively. At least one of

-   -   a long life LED light or other lighting system;     -   environmental sensors, and     -   a security system         can be installed in section 1001. In the lower section 1004, at         least one of     -   a rotatable camera     -   environmental sensors,     -   security equipment and     -   a lighting system         can be installed.

An embodiment such as embodiment 1000 may serve several purposes, such as:

-   -   Illuminating, for example, a sign on a building;     -   Providing wireless services within an area     -   Housing security and surveillance equipment 

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A radio system comprising: a radio within an enclosure; an antenna within the enclosure; a mounting subsystem mounted to the enclosure and having a hole for receiving wires that connect to a printed circuit board within the enclosure, the printed circuit board including the radio, the antenna being electrically and mechanically connected to the printed circuit board, wherein the enclosure is cylindrical-shaped with tapered ends and has a plurality of sections, wherein the plurality of sections includes a main section, a top section, and a lower section, the main section of the enclosure is mounted to the mounting subsystem, the antenna rotates about an axis that extends along a length of the enclosure, wherein the top section and the lower section are both coupled to the main section such that the main section is between the top section and the lower section; and wherein power to said radio system is supplied by either a main supply or a power supply unit.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein said enclosure is weather proof.
 23. The system of claim 21, wherein the mounting subsystem comprises either a mounting plate for mounting to a fixed structure, or steel straps for mounting to a pole-like structure.
 24. The system of claim 21, wherein the radio and the antenna form a module that rotates about the axis, wherein the module rotates about the axis in response to one or more inputs, and wherein the module is rotated to a desired angular position to achieve maximum signal strength.
 25. The system of claim 24, wherein said one or more inputs are supplied either by a user or by a program.
 26. The system of claim 24, wherein said one or more inputs are supplied using either wireless or wired media.
 27. The system of claim 21, wherein said power to said radio system is supplied by the main supply, said system further comprising a power converter, and wherein said power converter converts power levels from the main supply to a suitable range for the radio.
 28. The system of claim 27, wherein said power converter is housed within a fireproof enclosure.
 29. The system of claim 21, wherein said power to said radio system is supplied by the power supply unit, and wherein said power supply unit is either a rechargeable or a non-rechargeable battery.
 30. The system of claim 29, wherein said mounting subsystem comprises a die cast mount, and said power supply unit is housed within the die cast mount.
 31. The system of claim 21, wherein said tapered ends of said enclosure are rounded to form a continuous surface free from any sharp transitions.
 32. The system of claim 21, where at least one of a rotatable camera, environmental sensors, security equipment, or a lighting system is located in the lower section.
 33. The system of claim 21, where at least one of environmental sensors, security equipment, or a lighting system is located in the top section.
 34. The system of claim 32, wherein if a lighting system is located in the lower section, the lower section is either clear or frosted.
 35. The system of claim 21, further comprising a lighting system located within one of the plurality of sections that is either clear or frosted.
 36. A radio system, comprising: a module including a radio disposed on a printed circuit board and an antenna connected to the printed circuit board; an enclosure having at least a main piece coupled to a lower piece and to a top piece and coupled together such that the enclosure forms a cylinder having tapered ends; a mounting subsystem mounted to the main piece and having a hole to receive therethrough a plurality of wires that connect to the printed circuit board, wherein the antenna rotates about an axis that extends along a longest dimension of the enclosure; and wherein power to said radio system is supplied by either a main supply or a power supply unit, and if power is supplied by a power supply unit, said power supply unit is either a rechargeable or a non-rechargeable battery.
 37. The system of claim 36, wherein the module includes a metal plate to which the antenna is directly mechanically and electrically coupled without any cable, wherein the plurality of wires lack control signals for controlling the antenna.
 38. The system of claim 36, further comprising a lockable rotating assembly coupled to the module, wherein the rotating assembly includes a plate having a major flat surface orthogonal to the axis and a hole through which the wires pass to connect to the module.
 39. The system of claim 36, further comprising at least one of a camera, an environmental sensor, security equipment, or a lighting system located in the lower piece of the enclosure.
 40. The system of claim 36, further comprising at least one of a lighting system, an environmental sensor, or security equipment located in the top piece of the enclosure. 